Wonersh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wonersh | |
  Wonersh shown within Surrey |
|
| Population | 3,297[1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Waverley |
| Shire county | Surrey |
| Region | South East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Guildford |
| Postcode district | GU5 |
| Dialling code | 01483 |
| Police | Surrey |
| Fire | Surrey |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| European Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament | Guildford |
| List of places: UK • England • Surrey | |
Wonersh is a small Surrey village in England. Wonersh is about 3 miles SSE of Guildford on the B2128 road from Guildford, Shalford to Cranleigh. Neighbouring villages include Bramley, Shamley Green and Blackheath.
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[edit] History
Although little evidence has been discovered locally, it is believed that a settlement has existed in Wonersh since Anglo-Saxon times.
Until recently an ilex (holly) tree stood in the garden of Green Place and estimates of its age ranged up to 1200 years. This certainly appears to support the existent of an ancient settlement in the area, as the ilex is not indigenous species. Indeed the name Wonersh has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon language and loosely translated means "hamlet in the winding stubble field". Furthermore, Wonersh was mentioned in the Domesday Book.[citation needed]
In 1993, the Wonersh History Society was formed to preserve and build on a quantity of historical material and notes gathered over many years by the late Anthony Fanshaw. Much of this archive is now being transferred to the Society's computer data base and will be available.
[edit] Today
The Church of England church is called St John the Baptist and dates back to Norman times and has a bell tower. The parish of Wonersh is joined with Blackheath and lies within the Guildford diocese.[2]
There is also an United Reformed church which overlooks the village common. There is a college (St John's Seminary) for the training of Roman Catholic priests. Its motto is "spes messis in semine" (the hope of the harvest is in the seed).[3]
Wonersh has a village shop and post office which is owned by a village co-operative. There is also a small art gallery next door. There is an active scout group in the village.
There is a pub/restaurant named the Grantley Arms. They serve bar meals and have a separate restaurant, which is often used for functions. Both the shop and the pub are situated in the centre of the village by the 'pepper pot'.
The surgery is situated in the centre of Wonersh village opposite the post office. The purpose built right hand part of the surgery was opened in 1972 and extended in 1982. The practice covers an area approximately 45 miles².
[edit] Sports
There is a village green where local teams play football, cricket and stoolball. The sports club have built a pavillion there with a bar, meeting room and changing facilities.
There is also a bowls club which was founded in 1925. Wonersh Bowling Club is situated in the heart of the village at the end of a lane behind the Memorial Hall. It has a view of the 395-foot Chinthurst Hill. The club was founded in 1925 by J.M. Courage, F.H. Cook, R.H. Haslam and F. Rogerson. The club is affiliated to both the English and Surrey Bowling Associations.
The bowling green, comprising six full sized rinks, is maintained by a team of groundsmen who are, themselves, active bowling members of the club. The pavilion has, in addition to the usual changing rooms and dining area, a kitchen and fully licenced bar. The bowling season runs from the beginning of April through to the end of September.
[edit] Societies
There is an amateur dramatic society called the Wonersh Players that write, produce and perform their own pantomimes. The Wonersh Players have been in existence for over 25 years,[4] always performing at the Wonersh Memorial Hall, usually during the February half term holiday, with rehearsals starting the previous October
A social club named Wonersh Village Club, which was founded about 110 years ago. It provides a venue for playing snooker, billiards, darts and all manner of card games.
There is a History Society and a Gardening Club mentioned in the Parish Magazine.
